Being the brains behind Microsoft has made Bill Gates the wealthiest guy in the world. So he can pretty much afford to buy his kids any gadgets they want. However, Apple devices are banned in the Gates’ house. This is surprisingly not a rule set by Bill Gates. Melinda Gates has made it very clear in an interview with The New York Times that she does not allow Apple hardware in the house. If the kids want an iPod they’ll have to settle for a Zune instead.

I guess this doesn't surprise me. I suppose if I owned Heinz Catsup, I wouldn't allow Hunts Catsup to be in my house.

I would. I know I am odd in that sense, but if my children like a competitor's product better then I wouldn't mind them using such. After all, their happiness is more important than some unhealthy pride.

Besides, I'd just use the opportunity to ask them why they prefer the competitor: is it looks or such that is only a matter of taste, or is it functionality that's better somehow or lacking.

I guess this doesn't surprise me. I suppose if I owned Heinz Catsup, I wouldn't allow Hunts Catsup to be in my house.

I would. I know I am odd in that sense, but if my children like a competitor's product better then I wouldn't mind them using such. After all, their happiness is more important than some unhealthy pride.

Besides, I'd just use the opportunity to ask them why they prefer the competitor: is it looks or such that is only a matter of taste, or is it functionality that's better somehow or lacking.

It's pointless to deny things out of pride.

Sadly I don't think a damaged pride is the only potential victim here.

If a photographer caught one of Bill Gate's kids with, for example, a MacBook Pro or iPhone instead of a Win7 HP netbook or Windows Phone 7, then that could potentially be a PR disaster: "Even the Gates doesn't use Microsoft products"

They say you shouldn't by drugs off someone who isn't mashed themselves; it rather crude saying I know, but it illustrated this point perfectly. Why should consumers buy into the Microsoft brand if the heads of Microsoft don't themselves?

So yes, there will be a huge element of pride at play here. But they're also not looking to hand their competitors some easy promotion.

You are a better person than I. I guess I would worry about the stink that got out, the share holders, stock, employees whose jobs might be lost if it got out that the company owner/president used the competitor's product.